Guggulsterone has been cultivated for thousands of years in India and surrounding regions. Before being brought to the Western world, it was popularized in Ayurvedic medicine; now it’s a common ingredient in dietary supplements. Guggulsterone is a compound derived from the gummy resin of the gugul plant (Commiphora mukul). Traditionally, it was used as a remedy for ulcers, obesity, arthritis, and even epilepsy. Today, though, its supplemental use is largely confined to controlling weight and cholesterol.

Conflicting Research

Although its status as an effective weight loss alternative has been subject to continual debate, studies may support its use for such purposes. In a 1999 study, overweight subjects took 750 milligrams of guggulsterone and 1,650 milligrams of phosphates, yielding significant decreases in body fat (20.6 percent). The control group, who were given either a placebo or no supplement at all, saw an average 8.6 percent decrease in their body fat. However, some experts argue that the phosphates may be responsible for the decreases in body fat, since they’ve been shown to increase metabolic rate when taken alone in other clinical studies.

Initial research showed that compounds in guggulsterone may lower cholesterol levels. Positive cholesterol-lowering effects were documented in both animal and human studies. One particular study noted guggulsterone’s unique ability to lower LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, while raising HDL (“good”) cholesterol levels. However, as with weight loss, this effect has been scrutinized. Research as recent as 2005 reports that these studies were small and not well-designed. In fact, the same researchers questioned whether guggulsterone is effective for any physiological effect, including weight loss, improvements in thyroid function, and lowering cholesterol.

Some manufacturers even market guggulsterone as an effective anti-acne agent. However, these claims are unsubstantiated in clinical study and cannot be validated.

Is It Effective?
With so many conflicting studies, the jury still seems to be out regarding the efficacy of guggulsterone. Again, recent review of this supplement has been less than supportive. Yet older research supports guggulsterone’s use as an effective agent for reducing both body fat and cholesterol. It ultimately boils down to whether or not consumers are willing to take risks with bold product claims.

If you do decide to use products containing guggulsterone, invest in those that have been deemed successful and safe by other consumers. Products such as Nutrex’s Lipo-6, Optimum Nutrition’s Thermo-Cuts Extreme, Biotest’s Hot-Rox, and MHP’s Anadrox Pump & Burn are all time-tested products that should give you the most bang for your buck. You’ll also find comfort knowing that guggulsterone, when taken in accordance with the manufacturer’s directions, is free of serious side effects.

—Kristopher Foster